Buoyed By A Trump White House, Ernst Sponsors Senate Bill To Defund Planned Parenthood
A separate bill also sponsored by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, would roll back a federal rule enacted in the waning weeks of the Obama administration preventing states from withholding federal Title X family-planning funds from Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers.
Des Moines Register:
Ernst Introduces Bills Aimed At Ending Federal Funding For Planned Parenthood
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst filed legislation on Monday eliminating federal funding for Planned Parenthood and overturning an Obama administration rule barring states from defunding the women’s health organization. The moves were cheered by organizations that oppose abortion and the use of federal dollars in aiding family-planning organizations that also provide abortion services. The moves also drew protests on Monday from abortion rights advocates at Ernst’s downtown Des Moines office. (Noble and Leys, 1/30)
In other news —
Texas Tribune:
Texas Rep Placed Under State Protection After Filing Bill To Ban Abortions
State Rep. Tony Tinderholt, R-Arlington, has been placed under the protection of the Texas Department of Public Safety after receiving death threats following his filing of a bill to criminalize abortion in Texas. (Svitek, 1/30)
